Backgrounders

Silversea is a luxury cruise company reflecting generations of maritime and travel experience. In the early 1990s, the Lefebvre family of Rome, former owners of Sitmar Cruises, conceived and organised a unique cruise company pledging to build and operate the highest quality ships in the ultra-luxury segment. The name "Silversea" was chosen because it connotes quality and luxury as well as capturing the romance and special sensations of the sea.

Silversea launched its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995, Silver Shadow in 2000, and Silver Whisper in 2001. The fleet was purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that could slip into more exotic ports off the beaten path. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalised service, delivered by mainly Italian and other European officers overseeing an international staff.

In December 2009 Silversea took delivery of its next generation of ultra-luxury vessel, Silver Spirit. At 36,000 tons, and accommodating just 540 guests, this intimate ship has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet -- with 95% featuring a private veranda -- and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today. The onboard decor lends a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, offering trendsetting menus and all-night entertainment.

The company launched Silversea Expeditions in June 2008 with the debut of its first expedition ship, Silver Explorer (formerly Prince Albert II). The move heralded the beginning of a new mode in adventure travel -- where the exhilaration of exploration cruising is paired with the unmatched comfort of Silversea’s signature lifestyle.

In June 2012 Silversea purchased Canodros S.A., the premier Ecuadorian tourism company operating in the Galápagos Islands, and their upmarket expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II. The all-suite, 100-guest ship was renamed and launched for Silversea as Silver Galapagos in late September 2013, offering year-round expedition cruises in the Galápagos.

A third expedition ship, SilverDiscoverer, set sail for Silversea in April 2014. Exploring some of the world's most remote, most pristine, and least explored regions, this all-suite, 120-guest ship quickly earned her place in Silversea's award-winning fleet, being named "Best Luxury Cruise" by USA's TravelChannel.com -- within a few months of her debut.

Today, with its fleet of eight ships and a cruise programme that encompasses all seven continents and over 800 destinations, Silversea is recognised as the defining elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications. In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times). Other awards include "Best Small Ship Cruise Line" by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller (2014); "Best Expedition Cruise Ship" by Australia's Cruise Passenger magazine (2013); and "Best Small Luxury Cruise Line" by China's Travel + Leisure (2013).

Silversea caters to the cosmopolitan world traveller and maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. The company's headquarters are based in Monaco.

Silversea is a luxury cruise company reflecting generations of maritime and travel experience. In the early 1990s, the Lefebvre family of Rome, former owners of Sitmar Cruises, conceived and organised a unique cruise company pledging to build and operate the highest quality ships in the ultra-luxury segment. The name “Silversea” was chosen because it connotes quality and luxury as well as capturing the romance and special sensations of the sea.

Silversea launched its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994, followed by Silver Wind in 1995, Silver Shadow in 2000, and Silver Whisper in 2001. The fleet was purpose-built for the ultra-luxury market, establishing a new class of smaller, intimate vessels that could slip into more exotic ports off the beaten path. These elite vessels were specifically designed for fewer guests, more space and the highest levels of personalised service, delivered by mainly Italian and other European officers overseeing an international staff.

In December 2009 Silversea took delivery of its next generation of ultra-luxury vessel, Silver Spirit. At 36,000 tons, and accommodating just 540 guests, this intimate ship has the largest suites in the Silversea fleet — with 95% featuring a private veranda — and one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today. The onboard decor lends a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring over 8,300 square feet (770 square metres), a resort-style pool, four whirlpools, and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, showcasing Asian-fusion cuisine, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, offering trendsetting menus and all-night entertainment.

The company launched Silversea Expeditions in June 2008 with the debut of its first expedition ship, Silver Explorer (formerly Prince Albert II). The move heralded the beginning of a new mode in adventure travel — where the exhilaration of exploration cruising is paired with the unmatched comfort of Silversea’s signature lifestyle.

In June 2012 Silversea purchased Canodros S.A., the premier Ecuadorian tourism company operating in the Galápagos Islands, and their upmarket expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II. The all-suite, 100-guest ship was renamed and launched for Silversea as Silver Galapagos in late September 2013, offering year-round expedition cruises in the Galápagos.

A third expedition ship, SilverDiscoverer, set sail for Silversea in April 2014. Exploring some of the world’s most remote, most pristine, and least explored regions, this all-suite, 120-guest ship quickly earned her place in Silversea’s award-winning fleet, being named “Best Luxury Cruise” by USA’s TravelChannel.com — within a few months of her debut.

Today, with its fleet of eight ships and a cruise programme that encompasses all seven continents and over 800 destinations, Silversea is recognised as the defining elite luxury experience and is regularly lauded by leading consumer and trade publications. In the US, Silversea has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times). Other awards include “Best Small Ship Cruise Line” by Britain’s Condé Nast Traveller (2014); “Best Expedition Cruise Ship” by Australia’s Cruise Passenger magazine (2013); and “Best Small Luxury Cruise Line” by China’s Travel + Leisure (2013).

Silversea caters to the cosmopolitan world traveller and maintains branch offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. The company’s headquarters are based in Monaco.

RELAIS & CHATEAUXSilversea’s cuisine is a celebration not just of hospitality, service, convivial friends and the luxury of open-seating dining, it is unquestionably the fine art of flavour. Menu items are carefully chosen to complement one another effortlessly and feature the gentle touch of Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony.

As Silversea’s preferred culinary partner, Relais & Châteaux has collaborated on an exclusive collection of inspired dishes, culinary-themed cruises, a speciality wine restaurant, and customised land programmes, all designed to provide a more enriching and flavourful travel experience for today’s luxury traveller.

La Collection du MondeA highlight of the partnership is La Collection du Monde, the exclusive signature dishes presented in partnership with Relais & Châteaux that are not available on any other ship. Years of epicurean experience is brought to the table with items such as roasted wild boar with porcini mushrooms; breast of pigeon slow-cooked with foie gras and truffle shavings; and baby turbot cooked in Madras curry and coconut milk with fresh coriander, to name a few.

The Culinary Arts enrichment voyages also feature escorted provisioning trips to international markets (when the itinerary permits), food and wine pairings, creative regional dishes, and a five-course grand gourmet dinner. Throughout these special voyages, the featured guest chef and Silversea’s executive chef are on hand to share their culinary expertise and answer any questions.

Le Champagne by Relais & ChâteauxThe only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea can be found aboard the ships of Silversea. Indulge in an evening of seasonally and regionally inspired dishes, featuring the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and finest artisan products available. This specialty restaurant fosters a cosy ambience perfectly suited for private dinner parties.

L’Ecole des Chefs by Relais & ChâteauxLaunched in 2010, the “L’Ecole des Chefs by Relais & Châteaux” interactive cooking school offers guests on designated voyages a special culinary curriculum and entertaining events hosted by Silversea executive chef David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland’s career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a programme developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

With the curriculum for each of these cruises carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavour of the ship’s itinerary, participating guests may prepare Cajun-spiced shrimp,

vegetable fritto misto, or spanakopita, as well as other international delicacies.

Highlights include specialised workshops covering an array of topics from basic knife

skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship’s own culinary team; a “Lunch and Learn” event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired “Take It Home” recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a “Market to the Plate” experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a “Culinary Outing,” an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

Land Programmes by Relais & ChâteauxSilversea is pleased to offer a customised collection of pre-, post-, and mid-cruise land programmes linking some of Relais & Châteaux’s worldwide properties together with Silversea’s global itineraries. For example, Silversea guests can journey from London or Southampton to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland, staying at two exceptional Relais & Châteaux properties, Sheen Falls Lodge and Marlfield House, or depart from Invergordon to discover the legends and lore of the Scottish Highlands with accommodation at the luxurious Inverlochy Castle Hotel.

SLOW FOOD ITALYFounded in Italy in 1986, Slow Food has become an international organisation dedicated to promoting greater enjoyment of food through a better understanding of its taste, quality and production. It seeks to defend biodiversity in our food supply, spread the education of taste, and link producers of excellent foods to consumers through events and initiatives.

As a Slow Food Italy partner, Silversea embraces the philosophy of the movement, always seeking to link pleasure and food with awareness and responsibility. This is most evident in La Terrazza, our Italian heritage restaurant, where guests can enjoy the finest buffalo mozzarella sourced from just outside Naples, fresh pesto produced on the hillsides of Genoa, and authentic Ligurian salsa di noci.

Every day Silversea ships navigate the world’s oceans to connect people with distant lands and cultures. Along the way, we hope our guests make new friends and collect memories of unique experiences and spectacular sceneries that will promote a deeper understanding of our planet.

As a global corporate citizen, we recognise the importance of supporting communities and protecting the earth’s natural and cultural treasures.

By working with like-minded tour operators, we strive to offer a variety of optional shore experiences that educate and promote interest in the welfare of local cultures and indigenous species. For instance, our guests can visit and learn about endangered animals in their natural habitats, such as Alaska’s brown bears at the Fortress of the Bear rescue centre for orphaned cubs in Sitka, and Madagascar’s black lemurs at their sanctuary on the island of Nosy Komba.

With a profound appreciation of our special dependence on the health of the world’s seas, we are devoted to ensuring the safe operation of our vessels, maintaining full compliance with international environmental regulations, and developing plans for preventing pollution.

Some of the steps we take include:

Employing latest diesel-electric propulsion design on Silver Spirit that will allow much of the engine power to shut down when power demand is less, reducing fuel usage and air emissions;

Providing waste bins on open decks and informing guests of our strict policy against throwing any rubbish overboard;

Donating unneeded beds, furniture and linens to charitable organisations to avoid creating more waste, while also extending a helping hand to those in need.

Silversea Cruises has received Port Metro Vancouver’s Blue Circle Award three times (2012, 2010 & 2009) for efforts to reduce air emissions.

Moreover, Silversea is a member of the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO), dedicated to managing respectable, environmentally friendly and safe expedition cruising in the Arctic. The company has also joined the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). This important organisation promotes and practises safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.

And Silversea is a member of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), which works to preserve and protect the Galápagos Islands by promoting responsible, well-regulated, low-impact travel in the archipelago and by supporting critical conservation initiatives and scientific research there.

But we also take our social responsibility further by partnering with groups that share our commitment to serving the public good. Through a variety of joint programmes and fundraising efforts, we’re proud to support the following organisations:

ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETYFounded in 1830, the London-based Royal Geographical Society is a respected professional body for geography and geographers and is one of the largest and most innovative geographical societies in the world, as well as the biggest in Europe. Its objective is to advance geographical science. To do so, it champions and supports field research and scientific expeditions, enhances geographical and environmental education, and raises public understanding of the world.

Guests on Silversea expedition voyages benefit from a wide range of specialist visual and written content from the Society, enabling guests to learn even more about their expeditions to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos, South America, Africa and Europe.

MARUZZA LEFEBVRE D’OVIDIO FOUNDATIONThe Maruzza Lefebvre D’Ovidio Foundation is an independent, family-run charity, established by Antonio and Eugenia Lefebvre D’Ovidio following the loss of Maruzza, their eldest daughter, in 1989.

Antonio and Eugenia passionately took up the vocation to aid people suffering the same fate as their daughter. Her vision became their deepest desire — to provide assistance and care for incurable patients, with consideration and respect for their moral principles, dignity and quality of life — bringing light to Maruzza’s dream.

Silversea is proud to support the dedicated efforts of this non-profit organisation and to honour the memory of Maruzza, the beloved sister of Silversea’s Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio.

Under the leadership of Silvia Lefebvre D’Ovidio, Maruzza’s sister, the Foundation works together with local government organisations assembling specialised networks to promote excellence and equity in the provision of palliative care and support for persons affected by life-threatening or life-limiting conditions and their families, regardless of age, cultural, social and economic background.

Today, a major part of its energy and resources is dedicated to the diffusion of palliative care for children, babies and adolescents affected by incurable illness. For these young patients in particular, it is essential that they spend their days in familiar surroundings where all their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs can be properly addressed, able to live their lives free from unnecessary pain and suffering.

Silversea has established a fundraising programme that promotes awareness of this important cause and allows Silversea guests to share in the Maruzza Foundation’s mission.

For more information, please visit www.maruzza.org or email foundation@silversea.com.